I was checking out at Costco a few weeks ago and these hastily-snapped phone shots are are of the couple that was in front of me.  They both had on white sweatshirts and the EXACT SAME JEANS!
Fancy bright white stitching up the sides - Check!
White design on the flap back pockets - Check!
I'm sure I had the most confused look on my face as I looked from her to him and back to her.  I tried to get both butts clearly in one shot but they wouldn't hold still.  Oddly enough.  Must have been clear I was going to feature them as a what not to wear.  His is the top butt... so you know.  Hers was quickly snapped before they walked away.

I don't mind details on men's clothing.  What I mind is androgyny.  When the similarities are just too close for comfort!  Like these... 

I realize that the poses and models' figures make it obvious which is the guy and which is the girl.  But I know very few women who look like this from behind.  Most look like the candid photos up top. 

I like to add touches of menswear to outfits.  It's sexy when juxtaposed against feminine items.  And when I do, I want to hear, "That looks great!" from a man.  Not, "What I good idea. I think I'll wear it that way too."  The androgenization of society is disconcerting to me.  I like men to be men and women to be women.  We're at our best that way.  There are facets of each in all of us and we can play them up or down as we like to create our best selves.  But the androgenization of fashion is just lazy on the part of manufacturers.  It should be clear, at a glance, which jeans are for men and which are for women.

So men... don't snag your wife's jeans. 

Don't let her shop for you, if that's the style she's going to bring home.  She probably just wants them for herself in the end!

Revel in your manhood! 

It'll make us look even better walking next to you.

I apologize for the delay between postings. A nasty stomach bug attacked my babies. It's been brutal and there's nothing more miserable than a toddler and babies who don't understand why their tummy feels so yucky.  But I'll spare you the details.  Instead, we're going to continue our masculine therapy with a 2-day discussion on jeans.

It's all-out war against saggy butt jeans!  And I couldn't be happier. 
I don't know when, where or why this particular "look" came into existence.  And I don't really care.  It's ridiculous.  As the Clueless clip at the beginning proves, it's been around far too long. 
Several years ago I was waiting for a flight when a father, mother and their teenage son sat down across from me.  The kid, probably 15, headed over to the shop to peruse the magazines and I honestly couldn't determine how it was possible for him to walk.  His jeans were so unbelievably huge on him that he was having to hold them up with his hand as he tried to drag along the numerous folds of denim pooling at his ankles.  It was some sort of shirt/waistband combo grab.  When he was out of ear shot I leaned forward and said, "I just have to ask - why does he wear his jeans like that?"  The mother started laughing and it was the dad who answered first. "Because we're picking our battles right now, and he doesn't know it yet but he's about to lose this one hard!"  The mother responded, "Absolutely.  He and his friends look like idiots! I'm going to burn all his pants and he can buy them like that again when he's 18."  I hope they did it.  It must have been a beautiful bonfire.

I'm not exaggerating when I say an all-out war is brewing.  This photo was distributed to Flint, MI police officers last year as a training tool.

This version was recently posted publicly to educate folks that this IS being taken seriously and you WILL get punished. 
The crackdown on cracks has begun.

And even though MA State Senator Eric Adams was chided for harping on an "unimportant" issue, I think he makes a valid point.  It is indisputable fact that how a person dresses is in direct correlation to their behavior.  I see no problem with encouraging his target audience to rise above the sagging.  Rebellious attitudes may cause them to drag pant even worse, but at least he said it!

Hey all!  I'm the honored guest poster over at Our Mommyhood today!  So hit the above button and jump on over.  It's a fun little post analyzing Disney movies because my brain couldn't quit it's job.
Our Mommyhood is a really fun site started by some blogging friends of mine.  They've only been live about a month or so and have already generated tons of fun, thought, and discussion.  It's "where motherhood meets bloghood."

As I mentioned in my last post, before we dive into our series on spring trends and OD on fabulous femininity, I wanted to balance the equation with some masculinity.  Taking a couple of posts to cover a very interesting wave that's been coming ashore. The real men who seem to be making a comeback.  And it's fabulous.  Real women need real men.

It all started when I saw this Dockers advertisement.

I hope this masculine wave that's resurging isn't a passing fancy.  Some critics blasted this ad as sexist - which is, I think, exactly the problem the ad addresses.  Nowhere in here did I feel slandered as a woman and there's nothing wrong with being a man.

Whether we know it (or admit it) or not, femininity is a huge part of a woman's style.  It is enhanced when it has the contrast of masculinity to play off.  Much like my clothing style, I really like the old-fashioned mixed with the new-fangled.  A man doesn't need to sit in his chair in the living room waiting for wifey-poo to bring him his dinner (we've all had a long day!) but it's great if he makes sure to always take out the trash, open her door, and fill her car with gas.  Or remember to walk into a dark theater first. Take her hand to help her exit  when wearing heels so she doesn't have to grab the dirty car. 
The little things make the man.  And we women benefit.

Q: "Most of my week I'm an exhausted mom but my husband and I renewed our commitment to regular date nights a little while ago.  The problem is, I'm wearing essentially the same things I wear the rest of the week! All my clothes are mom-friendly, modest, and (I hate to admit it) pretty frumpy.  I'm not sure how I got to this point but what should I do about it now? I have limited funds to put toward a solution and want to spend it wisely.
Sincerely - K.,  

A:  I think we've all been there, K! One day you're cute, glowing and pregnant, the next you haven't worn much besides yoga pants and a t-shirt for weeks on end. Here are my best tips for reclaiming the sexy factor of your wardrobe.  I'm going to assume you have a pair of well-fitting jeans.  If not, those are an A #1 priority.  And make sure they're not these Mom Jeans!
I've listed the other items in order of "investment importance" - meaning if you don't already have it, this is where I'd spend your money first.  And the key style tip?  Do the opposite!  I'll explain in a moment...

1.  A Fancy Heel
I suggest a metallic heel in gold or silver, depending on your preference and skin tone. 
A metallic is a neutral so it pairs with anything! Jeans and a black top, a spring dress, fun skirt and cardigan - a metallic heel elevates them all to sexy date-wear.

2.  Chandelier/Statement Earrings
I like crystal and metallic because, again, it goes with anything and everything.  A metallic heel, jeans, black tee, and earrings like these?  Do you see the sexy sneaking back?

FYI - White House/Black Market is having a jewelry sale right now.  Click through from our Shopping Section.  WH/BM has great neutral options.

3.  A little shot of boudoir.
Raid your lingerie collection for items with just a hint of sheerness or (if not sheer) a high enough neckline that you don't have to wear a coverage tee underneath it.  Try adjusting the straps to raise the neckline.  Doesn't matter if it's normally a thigh-grazing chemise - slip that baby on over jeans and under a fitted jacket and it's a very sexy tunic top!  Let something sparkly or satiny peek out from under a cardigan or blazer (buttoned for coverage if you need).  Your hubby will know what it is... and will love it.
I recently scored this little wrap number from the Liberty of London for Target intimates collection. It looks great with jeans or my dark gray skirt and heels.

4.  Update your Mom Do
If your husband normally sees you with your hair down, wear it up for date night.  Normally up in a pony?  Wear it sleek and flowing with a deep side part.  Normally straight? Stun him with a head full romantic curls.

And consider whether it's time to update your style completely.  A razor-sharp bob can be easy with kids, and styles up very sexy.  Layers can lift a longer style out of sagging and dragging.

5.  Learn Sexy Makeup
Another opposite?  Your makeup!  If you normally don't wear any makeup, your biggest bang for the buck will be to learn how to do a smoky eye.  It's sexy and does NOT have be done with black makeup, which can look harsh the older you get. I love a smoky eye in purples or browns.  A simple Google or YouTube search will produce hundreds of options for tutorials.  If you're near a Sephora or Nordstrom makeup department - pop in and have a makeup artist show you for free.
If you often wear heavier eye makeup, then go with a neutral eye (maybe just a little liner and mascara) paired with a bold lip.  It's the shake-up of your routine that brings the sexy here.

6.  Dye a New Outfit
Here's a final tip - dye some of your items to score a "new" date outfit. If you have plenty of "mom-friendly" tops but are in desperate need of some date wear, don't be afraid of dying!  How about updating that stained white tee to a gorgeous deep turquoise?  New clothes - for about $2.  Gotta love that!

A great Ask Image Interpreters about bringing the sexy to a modest wardrobe.

A series on what to apply and what to avoid of the spring fashion trends!

And before the feminine flood of spring style takes over the blog - a series about men that I am hoping will spark some good thought and conversation.  Real Men are making a comeback, ladies!

(This particular dose of eye-candy is Clint Eastwood in his younger days!)

The fabulous Imogen Lamport bestowed the Sugar Doll Blogger Award on me! I've learned so much from Imogen. She's an image consultant in Australia and writes a wonderful blog, Inside Out Style, that appeals to the analytical side of my brain as well as the style lover in me.  It discusses the science behind why certain fashions, styles, colors, etc. flatter us and work for us while others don't.  Go give it a look see.  It's worth following!  

As a recipient, I must acknowledge the giver (done above), divulge 10 aspects of my life and/or personality, then pass the award onto 15 blogs I love.  It's never an easy task for me to compile a list of personal insights so here goes nothin'.

1. I'm stealing this first one from Imogen because when I read it I said, "Me too!" I love shopping for others and helping them build great wardrobes, but when it's something for me, I prefer to shop alone.
   
2. I believe in better living through chemistry.  The angels sang when Afrin was invented.  (I suffered greatly from allergies as a child and wish this had been in my life then.)  I’d like to condemn the druggies to an eternity of endless torment for making it impossible for me to get pseudafed and children’s medications and anything that ACTUALLY HELPS over the counter any more.  No, medicated rub’s don’t do a darn thing to help a congested miserable baby.
   
3. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a teenager.  And I hate it.
4. My husband and I still romance each other.  And I love it.
5. Sometimes, when it’s been a really rough “mommy week”, I give myself quiet time in my closet.  I pull out all my favorite heels, arrange them in front of me on the closet floor and put them all on, happily showcasing them for a minute and imagining them with different outfits.  Just to give them some foot time and remind myself what it’s like to wear fancy clothes instead of baby gunk covered clothes.
6. I have a large brown spot it one eye.  Husband and others think it’s cool and unique.  I would love it if my ophthalmologist father could invent a way to make it disappear.
7. I am the oldest of 5 children and the first grandchild on my father’s side.  When I’m feeling particularly funny and sassy, I remind my siblings and cousins that they’re just reruns.  And the sequel is never as good as the original.
8. I named this site Image Interpreters because style goes so far beyond what you actually are wearing.  Yes, my main target is those women who dress modestly, and helping them interpret the various design images the fashion world presents. (Get it?) But I think all women should dress modestly and carry themselves stylishly, so the blog and site tackle the never-ending range of relevant topics.
   
9. One of my favorite institute professors in college had 9 kids, all with names beginning with J.  When their last one showed up, they named her Jesslyn.  Even called my parents to ask (since I was serving a mission in Germany at the time). The other 8 kids are fairly reserved and quiet, like their parents.  Lil' Jesslyn is just like me.  First met her when she was about 5, when I happened to work in their doctor's office.  She had worn a super fancy twirly skirt and was happily dancing in the waiting room.  That's my girl!
   
10. I've decided silk pillowcases are a necessity, not a luxury, and must procure some soon.  I sleep mostly on my left side... and my face is beginning to broadcast that it's my preferred sleeping side and I'm hoping silk pillowcases will help.
    

As for passing on the award, I know that for some of the blogs I follow, this little award from me would be a mere drop in their buckets of awards.  For others, like Karen at Of A Certain Age, she was also awarded by Imogen.  So I'm passing it on to a few you may not know and should.

For inspiring me sartorialy -

• Elaine at Clothed Much
• Reachel at Cardigan Empire
• Danielle at Fell 4 Fashion
• The sisters at Have a Cute Day
  

For inspiring me to be more creative -

• Dana at Made
• Jamie at Nothing Fancy
• Casey at Casey's Elegant Musings
• Gertie at Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing
• Susan at Freshly Picked
  

For consistently making me smile, great giveaways, and general fun -

• Elizabeth at Confessions from a Working Mom and Our Mommyhood
  
• Anne and Emily at Bloom
• Tiffany at Simply Modern Mom
• Jaime at The Dress-up Drawer
• Working Mommy at Lessons Learned
• Darla at Hissyfits and Halos
  

Though she has the body to pull off the most revealing of gowns and cocktail dresses, Claire Danes often chooses more demure options. It's sexier to not reveal everything.
Like this Burberry number.  With some heels I would love to have! 

Or an extremely elegant, flutter sleeve Stella McCartney gown.

But this wrap dress is by far my favorite!  The stunning blue!  The subtle ruffles! The elbow-length sleeves!  Love it all. 
I couldn't find the dress info but thanks to the designer for a bit of loveliness I'm now craving in my own closet. 

Why is it children can wear nearly anything and look fabulous? 
Adorable without even trying. 

Last month, Working Mommy held a giveaway of a Pumpkin Sack from Knotted Wear.  Pumpkin Sacks are wearable baby blankets that can go from car seat to stroller to anywhere your baby goes.  Even though my twins just transitioned to front-facing car seats (ack! choke! gasp! Where did that year go?) I still entered because the blankets are customizable and so cute and my sister-in-law is about to have a baby girl in May.
Perfect gift.  And I won!  I headed straight over to Knotted Wear's Etsy shop.
Where I spotted these.

I knew the poncho would be a big hit with my 2.5 year old, so I emailed Carlee to beg a prize swap.  No problem!  And she proceeded to be fabulously helpful and generous in the completion of the poncho.  It arrived about the same time as a cold hit our house and it snuggled Princess Peanut day, after day, after day of the cold that never ended.

I could never look this good in a poncho. 
It's super snuggly and reversible! 
(not that a 2.5 year old will cooperate and allow Mom to photograph the other side.)

And there's been much spinning and dancing in the "bootiful Sleeping Booty cape!" 

Thanks to Working Mommy and Knotted Wear for the stylish addition to her wardrobe.

I love dancing.  Always have.  I DVR the Ballroom/Latin Dance championships when they're broadcast and always remind Mr. Darcy that someday we WILL take lessons together so he can whirl me around the dance floor.  And though I hate subjectively judged competitions (they're not "sports"), I like ice dancing in the Olympics for the dance factor. 
And where there is competitive dancing... there are costumes.
 
Elegant costumes.  Like these.